It’s official. The Cleveland Indians are no more. The Cleveland Guardians are here to stay.
Cleveland’s Major League Baseball franchise officially changed their name on Friday, a move that was originally announced back in July. The name is inspired by the “Guardians of Traffic” on the city’s Hope Memorial Bridge
The team released a new video to celebrate the name change on Twitter, tying together the franchise’s history to its newly named future.
The next chapter of Cleveland Baseball starts now. pic.twitter.com/6Y2ARviK5C
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 19, 2021
For many Cleveland fans, it’s a moment of mixed emotions. They grew up rooting for the Indians and will have a place in their hearts for what that franchise means. But given the connotations that came with the name, not to mention the offensive logo, it was more than time to move forward and find a new identity to build memories around. Emotions and thoughts like these were a big part of the reaction on Twitter after the announcement was made.
So long to my old favorite team #ClevelandIndians & hello to my new favorite @CleGuardians https://t.co/gT6Kdwemhu
— Greg Williams (@PrepBaseball_GW) November 19, 2021
Well done. https://t.co/SQfFgrEoaL
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 19, 2021
Classy. Go Guardians!!! https://t.co/1ssnhbS9Qd
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) November 19, 2021
"We have baseball coming back…we'll create new memories. We'll have new moments to cherish together". https://t.co/079FEaT2N9
— Joe Russo (@NorthCoastJoeR) November 19, 2021
Things didn’t get off the smoothest start possible, as the Guardians logo that was placed on the team shop fell down and broke this morning.
Ominous sign. The Guardians sign at the team shop broke off. pic.twitter.com/9ONnOhYboG
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) November 19, 2021
But hey, it’s just Day 1 of being the Guardians. Plenty of time, and scotch tape, to get things right.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/v3oSmLHzXH
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 19, 2021